HEROsector01:Tutorial (Editing)
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One of the first things you will come across when you join the wiki is the function of Editing. Editing is the most fundamental aspect of the wiki software, allowing users to create and edit pages.
Method
To edit, press the "edit" button at the top of the page, or press "Alt" + "E" if you're using Internet Explorer. (For Firefox, press "Alt" + "Shift" + "E"). You can only edit if you are a member, and membership is free.
Once you click on "edit" you will come to a page with a text box. On top of the text box is a list of quick editing tools which you can use to assist your editing. Once you are done, scroll down and click the save button. If you want to see what the page would look like, click the show preview button before saving.
In summary:
- Go to the page you want to edit.
- Click on "edit" at the top. (Alternatively, click on the "edit" link near the part you need to edit, if available.)
- Type and save.
For bold or italicized text, please see the Formatting Tutorial.
Making New Pages
There are two different ways to make a new page.
The first way to make a page is to click on a red link (a red link leads to a nonexistent page). When you do so, you will be sent to a page with a blank textbox, on top of which are a number of buttons which will import coding templates for different sections. If you are unclear on which section of the wiki you are writing for, simply leave the buttons alone and type directly into the blank textbox.
A second, alternate way to create a page is to type the name of your page into the "search" bar on the left. If the page does not exist, you will be sent to a page which asks you whether you would like to create a new page or searched for the page name by accident. If you wish to create a new page, click on the link given and repeat the steps above.
Tables
Tables are used to present information in an organized, structured manner. Tables contain columns, rows, and cells—columns refer to the vertical groups, rows refer to the horizontal groups, and cells refer to each individual block of content within the rows/columns. Tables are used all over the wiki, such as in character, location, and event templates.
Here is an example of a table:
| Items | |
|---|---|
| Tools | Other |
| Hammer | Pencil |
| Wrench | Music CD |
| Crowbar | iPod Touch |
If you ever need help with tables, feel free to contact a staff member.
When to use Tables
You should use tables when:
- You need to present multiple lists.
- You are working with multiple categories pertaining to the subject of the page.
- You need to list a lot of content relevant to the subject of the page.
Redirecting
A redirect is somewhat like a road sign telling you where to go. If you place a redirect on a page, anyone who searches for that page name will be redirected (moved) to a page you specify.
How to Redirect Pages
To redirect a search for the page name "Preston" to the page "Preston Stormer", you would go to the page Preston and type in:
#REDIRECT [[Preston Stormer]]
If you want to go back and edit or remove the redirect, you would type into the address bar:
http://hf.biosector01.com/wiki/Preston?redirect=no
When You Should Redirect Pages
Abbreviations
E.g. redirecting HF (Hero Factory) to Hero Factory
Nicknames/Shortened Names
E.g. redirecting Stringer to Jimi Stringer
Misspelling
E.g. redirecting Preston Stromer to Preston Stormer
Wrong Punctuation
E.g. redirecting Hero-Factory to Hero Factory
Plurals
E.g. redirecting Meteor Blasters to Meteor Blaster
Final note
Don't make a page called Preston Stromer just to redirect it to Preston Stormer. Don't make a page called Meteor Blasters just to redirect it to Meteor Blaster. The article you make will probably be deleted. Only put redirects when you think you need them. If you're ever in doubt, contact the staff.
Undo
Undoing is a way to revert the previous user's edit. To undo an edit, follow these steps:
- Go to the page you want to revert.
- Click on records at the top.
- Click on the time and date you wish to revert to.
- Make sure that it is the right version.
- Click on forge at the top.
- Ignore the warning at the top, and save the page.
Please note that reverting a staff member's edit is not allowed without presenting a valid reason to said staff member.
Show preview
An important feature to use is Show preview. Try making an edit in the sandbox, then clicking the "Show preview" button instead of Save Changes. This lets you see what the page will look like after your edit before you save the page. We all make mistakes; this feature lets you catch them immediately. Using Show Preview before saving also lets you try format changes and other edits without cluttering up the page history or site database and has a number of other advantages. Don't forget to save your edits after previewing, though, if they have been finalized.
Edit summary
Before you hit Save, it's considered good practice to enter a very brief summary of your changes in the "Summary" text box between the edit window and the Save and Preview buttons. It can be terse; for example if you just enter "Typo," people will know you made a minor spelling or punctuation correction or some other small change.
Play around in the sandbox if you wish to test what you've learned, and then continue with the tutorial.
Continue with the tutorial.
